Special Edward

September 1, 2009
Gr 7-10-Edward is a high school sophomore who's more into the social scene than the academic one. After discovering that a classmate received extra time on a math test because of a learning disability, he concocts a plan to capitalize on his underachieving nature by inventing a disability of his own to get out of school work. He purposely fails a battery of tests in order to be classified "exceptional," which allows him into special-education classes on a trial basis. When he learns that beautiful classmate Elizabeth has the same designation, he does whatever it takes to keep up the appearance that his plan is working. Ultimately, the teen's teachers discover that he is lying, but in an ironic twist, they find that he actually is dyslexic. The protagonist and his friends ring true; Walters has a good ear for teen talk, and Edward is as charming to read about as he is in the classroom. The author deftly weaves subtle clues into Edward's character that will leave readers nodding in agreement with his true condition. The title also refutes the stereotype that special-education students are profoundly disabled, emphasizing that a child can be gifted and still have learning issues, an important identity concept for teens to explore. A refreshing read."H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2009
Grades 5-8 Sophomore Eddy hates homework and studying, but he hates taking exams even more. Then, after tanking his latest math test, he finds out that kids with a special education designation get extra time and help with schoolwork. His brainstorm is immediate: if he can trick school administrators into thinking hes special ed, hell be allowed toslack off without worrying about flunking out. Its a bold, edgy, and even possibly controversial premise, but Walters does not milk the tale for all its uncomfortable potential. Instead of fully examining the awkward and uncertain relationships (and preconceptions)that often exist between normal and exceptional individuals, Walters instead curtails the drama to Eddy, his mostly anonymous friends, and the object of his desire, Elizabeth, who also turns out to have a learning disability. The sentimental final pages do the otherwise forceful chapter no favors; still, this is a topic too often skirted, and theres an inherent fascination built into Eddys plot to be known as a plucky fighter rather than a lazy underachiever.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2010
To lower his teachers' and parents' expectations--and to gain extra time to complete exams--Ed concocts a scheme to get himself labeled "exceptional." He thinks a special education designation will allow him to cruise through school, but instead ends up having surprising realizations about himself. Though the story is purpose-driven, Ed's wily scheming prevents the text from being overly didactic.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)